Posts by Alex Barnes8

I thought about posting this in the Health section, but I figured there might be more enthusiasts here who actually study the science and are willing to answer questions.
So, it’s not some standard cosmetic issue, but rather looking rough because of a bad lifestyle, stress, and things like that.
The usual symptoms: heavy dark circles, pale or grayish skin—plus other issues—dull hair and eyes, cellulite, and just looking exhausted or older than I am.
I guess I want someone to explain what's actually happening inside the body when we live like this. For instance, how does a poor diet lead to those dark circles under the eyes? What happens to the liver, kidneys, etc.? And hormones? How much does exercise actually help with all of this?
To be honest, I've had a pretty stressful year (and the one before wasn't exactly great either🙄), so I didn't have the time, energy, or mental capacity to focus on nutrition or working out. I ate way too many sweets and carbs, drank far too much coffee and Coke, skipped my veggies, and almost completely ignored fruit. I barely exercised, and eventually, the insomnia finished me off. Now, I'm dealing with everything I mentioned, plus this constant, draining feeling of exhaustion and zero energy.
Honestly, the fatigue is what bothers me most. How do I stop feeling—and looking—so "wasted"?
I'm looking for advice. What's the fastest way to "reset" and get moving again? How would you even start? What kind of foods should I be putting on my plate first?😁
I've seen in other threads that some people here know quite a bit about biology and physiology, so... go ahead.😉

I already brought this up over on the Sanval thread, but I figured there might be more activity here, so hopefully someone can weigh in.
Basically, I tried to get a prescription for Sanval the other day and ran into a wall. They told me doctors aren't allowed to prescribe it anymore, and apparently, they're even patrolling clinics to penalize physicians who still hand it out. 😕I guess I'm just wondering if anyone here actually knows what's going on. 🤷

Bill Gates says...

Larry Lewis said:Poor thing... I don't even know what to tell you. Maybe try punching someone you're afraid of in the nose? Who knows, maybe that'll clear your head.🙂

But seriously... look, you have a million different medications out there to choose from. It's entirely possible that the stuff you're currently taking just isn't doing the job.

I guess there might be some truth to that.😁
The truth is, people struggling with all sorts of anxieties could probably use a bit more healthy aggression. And maybe some selfishness, too. They tend to worry about everyone else instead of themselves. Of course, predators pick up on that, which is why they’re the ones being targeted. It’s a vicious cycle, I guess.😢
That's just how it goes, I guess. It’s not the weak who get screwed over; it's the good ones. Maybe.☕

5 mg

OT: I started taking Sanval. I was already exhausted, so I figured why not.
I feel okay, I guess.🤷 It’s not like I slept straight through the night, and I didn't drift off as fast as some people claim. Even though I woke up twice, I fell back asleep pretty quickly, so all in all, I feel more rested.👍 I think I'll stick with Sanval for a while.

Roger Rodriguez said:Maybe try changing your approach? 🤷 There are all kinds of doctors and all kinds of patients out there... let's not paint everyone with the same brush. If a physician refuses to give you straight answers, tell them you aren't satisfied with their bedside manner and that you'll be finding a new provider. Though, sometimes it might be easier just to stay quiet and maintain a good rapport, even if you leave feeling confused.
I've encountered my fair share of difficult personalities too. Honestly, my primary care physician would never have ordered blood work unless I practically begged her for it; she'd otherwise just prescribe antibiotics based on a guess. Perhaps try a different tactic? Don't be afraid to remind them that, as a patient, you have every right to ask questions, even if they find it inconvenient.

I don't know how much that would even affect them. They get paid the same regardless of whether I'm there or not, I guess. I stick to government jobs. I can't afford the private sector.

Maybe it’s better to just leave a good impression and stay quiet, even if nobody really understands what's going on.

.
I wasn't exactly quiet, so I know what I'm talking about. I'm just tired of the way it goes—you ask a question and get some vague, non-committal answer just so they can brush you off. Then I have to follow up with ten more questions just to get a half-answer... all while trying to read their faces, hoping they won't just shut me down entirely. 😕👎

I've run into all sorts of people too. Honestly, my GP would never even suggest bloodwork unless I kept nagging her about wanting tests instead of just blindly taking antibiotics. I guess you have to push for it.

It’s honestly a bit sad that you feel the need to vent to her about this. Isn't she the one actually trained and paid for the job? I guess we shouldn't be dumping responsibility onto laypeople. You aren't expected to know the intricacies of medicine, so maybe you shouldn't be held liable here either.

Maybe try taking a different approach with them. I guess you could emphasize that, as a patient, you have every right to ask questions—even if they don't particularly care for it.

We'll see. I'll probably have to head back out there anyway, so I'll let you know.

fadedbear92 said:That's true—but if you're paying out-of-pocket for a specialist, suddenly they're all smiles.🙄

I don't know about that. Even private doctors aren't always more capable than those at the local clinic. I've actually had better luck with my insurance-based dentist than the ones in private practice. I guess there are just good and bad practitioners in both worlds.
I guess you're seeing a private specialist? Maybe.

Roger Rodriguez said:Why don't you just ask your doctors for an alternative since you're absolutely refusing to take Samuel? Isn't it much better to be upfront with them rather than simply skipping a part of the treatment they prescribed for you? 🤷

I have to address this: "why don't you just ask your doctors?".
I honestly don't know where people find these approachable physicians who actually want to talk and answer questions. Everywhere I go in the States, doctors act like you're killing them just by asking a question. I really can't get anything out of anyone. I've tried communicating normally so many times, but it just doesn't work.
It's not like I'll stop seeing doctors altogether... But I've just gotten used to leaving appointments feeling confused. They seem superficial, arrogant, and frankly, pretty rude. Most lack basic manners. And even the ones who claim they are "constantly training" or whatever—they're always away at some symposium or seminar, traveling constantly. You couldn't get a moment of their time if you were a billionaire.👎

fadedbear92 said:Caffeine isn't really recommended because it can cause jitters and might even trigger a panic attack.

I'm on Lamictal, an antiepileptic, and I've been told the same thing. It's tough, though, because I love my coffee and soda.😢
Anyway, I wanted to ask about a different combination.
I'm dealing with terrible insomnia. Based on what you all have experienced, what are the best sleep aids? I mean, looking for effectiveness with minimal side effects. And most importantly, which ones are safest to mix with other medications?
In case it helps, the main ingredient in my Lamictal is lamotrigine. Aside from epilepsy, it's used as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder...
Please don't tell me to just ask my doctor, because I already tried, and she pushed Samuel on me. I've read such bad things about Samuel that I'm hesitant to try it. Though, maybe it isn't actually that bad.🤷
This matters to me because my therapist insisted that getting enough sleep is my top priority right now.
If anyone could share their own experiences, I'd appreciate it.🙂

wiredfalcon21 said:Ambien is quite effective for sleep; it knocks you out completely, though it does feel a bit heavy on the brain and isn't meant for long-term use. Once you take it, you need to head straight to bed because it works so rapidly—you might actually lose track of your actions. I once remember typing on a forum while on Ambien and had absolutely no recollection of being at the computer the next morning; I ended up getting banned because I was posting nonsense in my pajamas, having no idea when I’d even put them on. Generally, people say melatonin is a good option since it's just a sleep hormone available over the counter. Personally, I've cycled through countless different psychiatric medications, but I've significantly cut back now and don't deal with withdrawal symptoms, even though I used Ambien for a very long time.

Yeah, I wouldn't go that route... I usually just end up feeling totally groggy and out of it.😵

Robert Collins2 said:If you want the least amount of hassle, Zane is your best bet. You don't get hooked on it nearly as fast as those other hypnotics or benzos. 😁

Just a heads up, Lamictal is used as a mood stabilizer, mainly for people dealing with bipolar disorder. It doesn't just wipe away depression or mania instantly, but if you stay on it consistently, it helps stop those crazy mood swings from happening. You usually start on a tiny dose and slowly scale up until you hit that sweet spot for your body. It typically takes a few weeks before you really start feeling the benefits. Side effects can include stuff like dizziness, headaches, feeling sleepy or restless, or even nausea. Usually, those side effects die down once your body gets used to it.

😉

There’s a really solid article on this here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamotrigine

I used Zan once, but then it just vanished from the shelves. So, I switched to Lorazepam.
Are you saying Zan hasn't been pulled from the market and is actually still available? A woman at my local pharmacy told me a few months back that they don't have it and won't be getting it again.🤷

David Jackson22 said:I'm assuming what you aren't supposed to touch are stimulants, which aren't the same thing as anti-epileptics. Anti-epileptics aren't technically antidepressants; they function more as stabilizers, meaning they target those massive mood swings and level things out. They're usually prescribed to maintain the progress that antidepressants have already made. The name itself pretty much tells you what they do—they stabilize, they don't boost your mood or act like a stimulant.

Ahaaa, I get it.😁

Since I'm already dealing with insomnia, could anyone suggest which pills work best for you?
I occasionally take a bit of Lorazepam—just a half or a quarter—but it feels strange. It takes forever to actually fall asleep, and then waking up in the morning is just brutal. It’s like the sleep hits hardest right when I need to get up. But if I don't take anything, I sleep even less and just suffer more.
What are you all using that kicks in faster and doesn't leave you feeling drugged the next morning?

David Jackson22 said:I've been sleeping like a baby ever since I started Tegretol. I take half of a 400 mg pill, so basically 200 mg daily. Honestly, the dose you're on for Lamictal is super low; I used to go all the way up to 200 mg a day, but it did absolutely nothing for me. In fact, it had the exact opposite effect—it actually made my depression deeper and hit me with side effects like tremors and some other weird sensations.
It also gave me insomnia; when I was on it, I slept worse than I ever have in my entire life! As soon as I hopped off it, I finally started sleeping normally again. While I was taking it, I’d get these horrific dreams and nightmares and stuff. Even if I did manage to drift off, it was barely anything. I’d spend the whole night in this bizarre half-awake state where I wasn't fully asleep but wasn't awake either; I could hear everything happening around me while just sort of "dozing" in bits and pieces. It was just a miserable feeling, and stopping the Lamictal was the only way I got rid of it.
Obviously, my bad experience doesn't mean the drug is garbage or anything, because my psychiatrist told me a ton of his patients take Lamictal and feel great without any issues. Apparently, it's the kind of med doctors love to prescribe because they get such solid results with it.
Personally, Tegretol just works better for me and I'm totally happy with it.
Anyway, hope that helps you out.🙂

I'm on Lamictal and dealing with insomnia, though I can't really blame the drug since I struggled with it before anyway.
Something else is confusing me, though. How is it that Lamictal, which is an antiepileptic meant to calm the brain, can also act as an antidepressant?😕
My EEG showed dysrhythmia, and they told me there's some activity in my cerebral cortex that shouldn't be there. Because of that, I'm not supposed to use anything that stimulates the nervous system. I had to cut back or completely stop coffee, soda, and stuff like that. And definitely nothing like Activin H (the natural antidepressant). I can't even take Ginkgo. The labels say people with epilepsy shouldn't consume them.
It turns out that even if I have depression, I'm technically not supposed to take antidepressants.
So the whole Lamictal thing is confusing—it's the same drug for both epilepsy and depression.😕
Can someone explain this to me?

Brandon Newman95 said:I’m on Lamictal 50mg right now and honestly? I feel totally normal. I take one in the morning and one at night, though I guess everyone reacts to this stuff differently. As for why I’m even taking it... man, I have no clue.

How so? Maybe your doctors didn't explain much?

David Jackson22 said:I was on Lamictal for just a short stretch, maybe a few months up to half a year. It didn't sit right with me, so my psychiatrist switched me off it and put me on Tegretol, which works wonders for me and doesn't give me any side effects at all. I took both Lamictal and Tegretol because I have recurrent depressive episodes and needed a mood stabilizer. Lamictal just wasn't doing it for me, but Tegretol totally did.
I've been on antiepileptics for 6 years now—cycling through Tegretol, then Lamictal, then back to Tegretol—and I haven't had any issues. My depressive episodes have slowed down significantly, and when they do hit, they're shorter and don't feel nearly as intense.
So yeah, that's just my personal take on these meds, but hopefully someone more of an expert will get back to you on those other specific questions you have.

Thanks for the reply. I'm taking Lamictal for neurological reasons, so I never really considered the psychological impact. Same thing happened when I was on Phenytoin. So, you're saying Tegretol works for you as an antidepressant? Since starting Lamictal, I don't feel better or worse, I guess.🤷
Maybe it's because my dose is low (75mg/day). But I'm still dealing with my old issue: insomnia. How is your sleep? Have the pills helped with that at all? What dose are you on?

I guess I'll just leave this here. Maybe it matters, maybe it doesn't.

Keith Cox6 said:Since we’re already picking through all this... why aren't we just going with Citalopram? If it's fully covered by the fund, what's the point in paying a copay for Lexapro? It's not like it's some miracle drug that works significantly better anyway.🤣
Man, you're being way too naive. Have you ever actually looked into how pharmaceutical sales reps work? They spend their whole lives cruising around, visiting specialists and family doctors, trying to get their foot in the door.
So, what exactly is the "reward" for letting someone talk you into believing that Zoloft is the absolute gold standard?
The second time you drop by Sakoman’s office—right after some rep from a different pharma company decided to "reward" him—that list of the best, most ethical Ad reps is going to look a whole lot different.😁

See, this is exactly what I mean... it just goes to show how much therapy is a total "you" thing. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and honestly, neither is how long you have to stay on it. It’s all deeply personal.😉

Eric Richardson49... no way. The only way that makes sense is if an ADH deficiency is triggering polydipsia, which would then lead to polyuria. Was their kidney function actually normal before they started the meds? Honestly, they should probably get their blood sugar checked too.

I haven't read the whole thread, but I suppose you might actually know a thing or two about this...
I was wondering about barbiturates and anti-epileptics... I guess. Maybe just some thoughts on them.
I asked about this on an epilepsy forum a while back, but I guess they didn't really have much to tell me then.
I've been on an anti-epileptic containing barbiturates since I was three. Small doses, sure, but it’s been over twenty years of constant use. Since they're essentially narcotics, I read somewhere else that drugs—hard or soft—can mess with your concentration and memory. That seems to be exactly what I'm dealing with. I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows the full range of side effects, both mental and physical, from long-term barbiturate or general anti-epileptic use. It would be helpful to know if I can actually distinguish between the effects of the epilepsy itself and the impact of the medication, though I suspect that might not be easy.
I’ve been on Lamictal for about two years now. The main ingredient is lamotrigine. I guess you have to wonder what that actually is.
The instructions suggest it's used for depression and bipolar disorder, too, besides just treating epilepsy, I guess.🤷 Anyone else here using it for that? I guess any info would be helpful. Thanks.😉

Great news for your friend👍.
It seems like his conscience finally kicked in, and maybe the change is genuine. Or maybe it isn't, because maybe nothing actually needed to change.
I'm about 99% sure he isn't some psychopath lacking a moral compass; I think he was just a kid or a young man whose conscience was dormant or poorly conditioned. Conscience is learned, I guess—people teach you why certain things should feel right or wrong. There could be a million reasons why he pushed honesty and integrity to the back burner.
To act "on conscience," sometimes you need maturity, or courage, or just a new set of motivations or life events.
The way I see it, he’s matured in some ways. But he already had these qualities inside him, even if they were just budding. He didn't change his core nature, I suppose; he just directed it toward something more noble.
We all have good and bad in us. That's just how it is. So, a total personality shift probably isn't necessary. We aren't that bad. 😁 It feels like we're just trying to invent ourselves. We just need to be who we are—to unlock and develop what's there. "Change" is really just a process of letting go. 🙂

George Newman11 said:I know someone who used to lie constantly—all the time, for no reason at all. Eventually, he hit a wall, decided he was done with it, and actually managed to turn things around. Now, he’s honest, whether it’s convenient or not😁.
He says he doesn't even have to think about whether to tell the truth anymore; it’s just his default mode. He still finds habitual liars absolutely revolting.

Is this a fundamental shift in personality, or just a change in behavior?

I guess I’d say it's just a change in behavior. Especially if it seems so deliberate.😁
But maybe not. We probably don't know him well enough. I wonder if anything else about him changed.

Lawrence Moore78 said:I feel like you can change an opinion once you realize you were wrong, but changing how you actually act? That’s a whole different story. Even when you really try and put in the effort, your true nature just kind of leaks out anyway. At least, that's how it works for me. I'll tell myself, "Okay, never again..." or "From now on, I'm doing this..." and it never sticks. Not even once...

Too familiar.😵